She said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Gavin. I am overwhelmed by his effort and generosity. He is a unique person and has raised such a large amount of money in such a short time and under difficult emotional circumstances.”

Mr English has recently handed over another £3,000 cheque to the hospital, bringing his total to £20,121. The money was raised at supermarket collections and car boot sales.

From skis to a Captain’s Chair, Mr English spends hours collecting, sorting and washing the donations, which he has picked up from across the area and now fill his garden sheds and home.

Mr English has become a familiar face at car boot sales in Hunstanton, Heacham, Snettisham, King’s Lynn, Upwell and Emneth. He often gets up at 4.30am to prepare for a sale.

Mr English, who has two children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, said: “I appreciate the award and really didn’t expect it but that is not why I fundraise.

“This is what Francis wanted. She wanted to give something back to the people who had been so good to her. I also get a lot out of doing this and I have no plans to give up.

“We had such a good life together. If you can mix love and faith together I think you have cracked it.”

Laurence Morlaàs, fundraising executive at the hospital, said: “Gavin is one of our best single fundraisers. I think it is amazing that shortly after the loss of his wife, Gavin began fundraising for us to help others.”